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On Tuesday, July 18, the Minister of social security Haim Katz appealed to the high court with a request to provide time for the preparation of professional opinion on the question of the adoption of children by same-sex couples.

The Minister Chaim Katz noted that his request was motivated by the desire to provide professional instances of opportunity «to re-examine the situation and reach a conclusion based on a set of arguments and assessments.»

On 16 July, the state notified the high court about its position on the question of the adoption of children. The document said that the Ministry of justice and social security no longer object to the adoption of children by couples living in a civil marriage (having the status of «aduim EB-tzibur»), provided that they have a joint household for at least three years.

However, the state informed the high court that it opposed the adoption of orphans by same-sex couples that the document was called «unconventional.» The state relied on the opinion of experts who believe that children adopted by these couples may face additional challenges and negative attitudes.

This answer was given in response to a petition filed in the high court of the Reformist center and a non-profit organization «Proud fathers».

The response of the state caused a negative reaction from human rights organizations and many media that, inter alia, required the Ministry of justice and Ministry of social welfare to present the results of studies that have confirmed that children adopted by same-sex couples have «more difficulties».

In response to numerous requests from journalists from the office of the Minister of welfare Haim Katz July 17, told reporters that the language referred to the high court, was «unfortunate.»

On 18 July, against the background of the scandal and under pressure from the media and various public organizations, the Minister of social security declared that the attitude of the Ministry towards this question will be revised.

The Ministry of social welfare redefines the relationship to the adoption of children by same-sex couples 18.07.2017